Diversity of epidemiological transition in the Pacific: Findings from the application of verbal autopsy in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cause of death data are essential for rational health planning yet are not routinely available in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands. Indirect estimation of cause of death patterns suggests these populations are epidemiologically similar, but such assessments are not based on direct evidence.

Methods

Verbal autopsy (VA) interviews were conducted at three sites in PNG and nationwide in Solomon Islands. Training courses were also facilitated to improve data from medical certificates of cause of death (MCCODs) in both countries. Data were categorised into broad groups of endemic and emerging conditions to aid assessment of the epidemiological transition.

Findings

Between 2017 and 2020, VAs were collected for 1,814 adult deaths in PNG and 819 adult deat

SUBMITTER: Hart JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8315473 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature